Eats and Treats

SMBA Restaurant Recommendations

With the high volume of restaurants in Sedona, it can be overwhelming to know the best spot to grab a bite.  There are too many mediocre restaurants that survive on the one-time visits from tourists.  As self-proclaimed foodies, Team SMBA have sampled and scoured to cultivate a premier list of post-ride treats.  In no particular order, here are our local favorites:

FreeForm Coffee

If you’re into craft coffee, this is the best spot in town to experience high quality local roasting.  Founded by longtime locals (and mountain bikers), FreeForm roasts their own beans in house.  Their cafe is conveniently in the center of town along Oak Creek.  Pop by on the way to your ride for a latte, or bring home one of the specialty coffee bean blends.  






Sedonuts

Living up to such an amazing name, Sedonuts exceeds expectations (and we have high donut standards!).  These guys are doing everything right, from perfecting both the classic glazed to a diverse range of specialty donuts you’ve never seen before.  One of the more memorable options is “the Vortex” - a massive, soft cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting.  Don’t worry if you see a line out the door -  their consistently quick and welcoming customer service keeps things moving quick.  The two locations (Sedona and Cottonwood) both offer a full menu of coffee and drinks.  This spot is not to be missed during your visit to the area!

• SMBA recommends: The Vortex Cinnamon Roll, Blueberry Vanilla Donut, Let it Snow Donut, Cookie Monster Donut, Anything Maple Frosted

Indian Gardens

Indian Gardens (IG) is 10 minutes up Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff.   The building originally opened as a general store in 1947 and has evolved to become our staff’s favorite spot to grab brunch.  Tucked away off of the main Sedona strip, a meal in IG’s backyard garden always feels peaceful and 10 degrees cooler.  Indian Gardens has a nice coffee bar and offers a wide menu of breakfast favorites as well as healthy alternatives.  In the back of the store you will find grab and go items like local beer 6 packs, craft sodas, trendy drinks and some fun IG apparel.  

• SMBA recommendation: Biscuits and Gravy, Grains & Greens Bowl
  

Local Juicery

Local Juicery is Sedona’s best smoothie and juice stop.  They use 100% organic ingredients and never add ice to their smoothies (finally, only the good stuff).  Offering salads, acai bowls, and coffee, this plant-based stop prioritizes quality over all else.  Their outdoor patio is shaded for ultimate relaxation while you devour your meal.  Check out their sister location in Uptown, Wildcraft Kitchen, for more hearty breakfast and lunch options.  

• SMBA recommendation: Blue Majik Bowl, “The Works” Waffles, Mint Chip Smoothie

Berry Divine: Acai Bowls & More

Berry Divine is the place to cool off after overheating on-trail.  Hot weather always spikes cravings for ice cream, and Berry Divine is the healthy alternative.  With a wide array of variations, your açaí dreams will be exceeded.  

• SMBA recommends:  Vortex Bowl, Summit Bowl

Gerardo’s Italian

We’re not going to pick our favorite dinner spot in Sedona… but if we had to, it’d be Gerardo’s.  This family-owned restaurant reminds us of a simpler time, when going out to eat felt like visiting a dear friend.  They are most well known for their pizza - thin crust or thick sicilian, your choice!  A gorgeous woodfired oven cooks each one perfectly.  Quality of ingredients, often shipped straight from Italy, are never skimped and the specials are consistently tempting.  No reservations are taken, so do take-out or get your name on a list and walk next door to Vino de Sedona while you wait - it’ll be worth it!

• SMBA recommends: Mortadella & Pistachio Pizza, AC Milan Trifecta Pizza, Menabrea Italian Beer
  

Sedona Beer Company

Sedona Beer Company (SBC) is the favorite hangout for the local cyclists.  Now with two locations, you can pick and choose your adventure.  Started by long-time locals and rooted in a passion for quality, SMBA often meets at SBC after a group ride.  We are grateful for SBC’s selection of gluten-free alcohol and non-alcoholic options, as they thoughtfully have something for everyone.  The Uptown location was the first location and has full food and drink options.  Don’t be fooled, the food is off the charts!  The “SBC Bascamp” location is more like a beer garden with a food truck.  You can find this location conveniently located off Dry Creek Road on your way back from a West Sedona loop.  Some of the staff are mountain bikers, so be sure to ask about their favorite trails!

• SMBA recommendation: Double IPA Beer, horchata beer, waffle fries topped with truffle oil and jalapeño aioli on the side.

Shorebird

This unique menu is a fusion somewhere between Mexican, Asian, and American.  While we always order the chicken wings (our favorite in town), our spread is typically a mix of flavors and cuisines.  Ingredients are freshly flown in every few days, so you can guarantee flavor in every bite.  Sit outside on their stunning patio with red rock views year round.  And looking for brunch?  Shorebird is the spot.  Reservations available but typically not needed.

• SMBA recommends: Twice Fried Chicken Wings, Adovada Tacos, Salmon Belly Nigiri, Lemon Ricotta Soufflé Hot Cakes

The Hudson

Looking for a nice dinner?  Sedona isn’t New York City, but the Hudson is our recommendation for a special evening out.  Their menu has a selection of American classics, from steak to wings to burgers.  The Hudson also has a great casual lunch menu.  For warmer evenings, request seating on the patio and experience red rock golden hour as you sip on a cocktail. 
Making reservations in advance is the way to go - or put your name in and enjoy a beverage at Mooney’s Pub while you wait.  

• SMBA recommends: Peanut Butter Pie, Steak & Blue Chop Salad, Hudson Mushroom Burger, Chicken Scallopini 

Elote Cafe

Just ask any longtime local, Elote is an institution.  They have mastered the intersection between fine dining, and truly authentic Mexican food.  Meals are prepared intentionally, with juicy meats that delicately fall off the bone and veggies that you won’t find anywhere else (Nopal Cactus salad, anyone?).  Although the menu isn’t vast, Elote has focused on quality over quantity.  We find the experience of life-changing Mexican food to be a distant cry from greasy, bland Tex-Mex, and highly recommend prioritizing a stop at Elote during your trip. 

Reservations can be quite tricky, often needing months in advance so plan ahead.  If all else fails, try your luck to snag a spot at the bar.  

• SMBA recommends: Corn Crusted Scallops, Smoked Pork Cheeks, Lamb Adobo

Sedona Organic Taco Company

This food truck is a hidden gem, tucked just off the mainstrip in Uptown.  The menu has a diverse range of variations for all diets, including vegan nacho cashew crema and plant based protein options.  The fast service and ample portions are an appreciated change in comparison to many tourist-run mediocre competitors.  We won’t be surprised to witness this spot gain popularity in the next few years - stop by while it’s still under the radar!

• SMBA recommends: Keto Horchata, California Burrito, Nacho Fries, Fish Taco
  

Tortas del Fuego

Something about the Southwest triggers a craving for Mexican food.  Tortas del Fuego is our top casual post-ride recommendation.  Our friends at Thunder Mountain Bikes  frequent this spot so often, there is a joke about setting up an air-compressed burrito tube across the street for easy delivery.  They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  There are conveniently two locations, one in West Sedona and the other in the Village of Oak Creek.  You’ll see all the classics, with some intriguing variations for those who are feeling curious.

• SMBA recommends: Alambre Burrito, Tres Amigos Enchiladas with red & green sauce

Colt Cafe

BBQ that makes Texas proud!  We were stoked when this popular Cottonwood spot expanded to another location in Sedona.  Located in Village of Oak Creek (south Sedona), they smoke their meats on-site and offer a full bar, including refreshing local beers.  Sample a handful of bbq sauces and classic sides with your meal.  We can’t help but pop into Colt after a lap on the trails out of the VOC!

• SMBA recommends: Brisket Sandwich “rich” style, Smoked Mac & Cheese, Sloppy Mustache Burger, The Thoroughbred Salad, 

Drewbies

This is the hottest new spot to grab lunch in Sedona!  The owner, Drew, is a mountain biker and chef - so you know menu items are going to be both delicious and successful in fueling your next ride.  After years of working for various local restaurants, Drew has perfected his recipes.  Everything is made from scratch and the entire menu can be made vegetarian/vegan.  No soy or seed oils used, and organic when they can.  Everything is cooked in avocado oil and the fryer is totally vegan.  Drew is a shining member in the cycling community, so we can’t wait to see him achieve success with his own spot.  

• SMBA recommendation: The Chimi Hendrix Sandwich, The Drewben Sandwich,

Dellepiane

Dellepiane is Sedona’s best burger place.  Their name may be confusing to pronounce, but they sure know how to make a phenomenal burger.  Chef and owner Tomas draws upon his Argentinian street food background to offer both the classics, as well as specialty burgers that could come straight from a high-end restaurant.  Don’t sleep on the Argentinian steaks and empanadas!

• SMBA recommendation: Le Blue Cheese Burger, Pork Green Chili Empanada

Jessie Lee’s Craft Beer Market

If you love craft beer, Jesse Lee’s is the stop.  Every time we swing through, the owner customizes and curates a package that we love.  No Bud Lite here.  You will find unique, rare, and mouthwatering 4 packs that may pair with your thai dinner that night.  This exploratory mission crosses over into an incredible wine selection.  No matter the occasion, they have you covered.

• SMBA Recommendation: Harland Japanese Rice Lager, Clever Kiwi Hopped Pilsner

Honorable Mentions (not in Sedona, but still super tasty):

Crema in Cottonwood(breakfast and lunch, try the Monte Cristo Sandwich)

G’s Burgers in Cornville (tasty, cheap, and a true rural Wild West vibe)

DA Ranch in Page Springs (stunning winery, relaxing property with the occasional food truck on-site)